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Harrison told reporters the shooting victims whose ages ranged from 20 to 37 included two females and eight males. One male victim died at a hospital.

The popular area was crowded because of the Thanksgiving holiday and Bayou Classic football game in the Superdome between Southern and Grambling universities, Fox 8 reported. Harrison said more than 30 officers were in the area because of the game.

"This was not the place or time to bring firearms to the Bayou Classic or any event," he said. "This is not the place where something like this should happen."

Police made two arrests, both of which were men were carrying firearms.

One of the individuals was identified as a victim in the shooting, according to Harrison. He is being treated for his injuries. The second arrest was an unrelated individual found to be in illegal possession of a handgun at the scene, he said.

Glean Williams, who was selling hats and other items at a table a block away from the shooting, told NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune that people ran into doorways and hotels, or hid behind palm trees decorated with Christmas lights along nearby Canal Street.